Women's Air Race Classic: Air Derby

The Women's Air Race Classic started in 1929 and is the only all women's air race.  The goal of the air race is to encourage, promote, and educate current and future women pilots.  As of December 31st, 2019, women pilots made up just 7.9% of the total pilot population according to FAA's Aeronautical Center.  More information about Air Race Classic at: https://www.airraceclassic.org/ .

This year, team Flying Penguins is participating in the Air Derby in June hoping to bring awareness to women in aviation in the Texas and Oklahoma area. Flying Penguins also strives to promote women in aviation and other STEM related fields. Team Flying Penguins is raising money to cover fuel, aircraft rental, and race incidentals. We appreciate any help and support to help our team achieve our goal!

Meet our team:  Flying Penguins

Pilot - Anni Huang. Anni was born in Tianjin, China, and grew up in southern Illinois.  She studied B.S. Accounting and B.S. International Business, and M.B.A. from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Upon graduation, Anni worked as a Marketing Manager for Coca Cola, a Procurement Analyst for Boeing, and most recently as a Mandarin Linguist for Quark Expeditions in Antarctica. Anni is a flight instructor (CFI/CFII) and a multi-engine commercial pilot. Her ultimate goal is to combine her love of flying with her passion for Antarctica by flying professionally to the 7th continent. Anni is a strong believer in pursuing one's dreams, and love to inspire other to chase their dreams. 

Co-Pilot - Heidi Kim. Heidi is from Waupaca, Wisconsin.  Heidi has a B. S. in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and a M.S. in Human Factors and Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach).  She is also a Ph.D. in Aviation Candidate at Embry-Riddle.  Upon graduation, Heidi worked as a Human Factors Engineer for Rockwell Collins and BendixKing by Honeywell.  Heidi also worked as a Human Factors Engineer for the U.S. Army Research Lab.  Today, Heidi is a Regulatory Affairs Investigator for Southwest Airlines in TechOps.  Heidi is a flight instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI).  Heidi has wanted to race since she was 16 and enjoys inspiring young aviators to fly.


Navigator - Mariah Sellers. Mariah was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Purdue University. Mariah is an insurance professional, a loving mom, and a private pilot.  She is also a board member for AeroValley Flying Club located in Denton, TX. Mariah is currently working on her instrument rating while working full time. She enjoys promoting and supporting women in aviation. Her goal is to inspire women and minority groups to follow their dreams.

 
Nothing is too little, too small. Our team appreciate all your help and support. 

Cheers,

Anni, Heidi, and Mariah